Graduating Class Gift 2016

Did you know that, every year, thousands of Kingston graduates (we call them our 'alumni') give money to support current students at the university?

You may have received a scholarship or hardship grant; or maybe you know someone who has. You may have used equipment or participated in a programme funded by alumni donations - there are many - from Enterprise! to electric racing.

We would like to invite you, our graduates receiving your degrees 2016, to be part of this wonderful legacy of alumni support. To mark your graduation taking place in January 2017 we would love for you to make a gift of just £3 that will benefit current students at Kingston University.

Giving is simple. Text GRAD16 to 70111 to donate £3.*

* Make sure to save the Kingston response text to receive a free "Made in Kingston - Class of 2016" tote bag at your graduation ceremony.

"I am of the opinion that life is like a circle - the more you put in, the more you get out. As a scholarship recipient, I know first-hand the value of gifts made to the University, so giving £3 towards the 2016 Graduating Class Gift is my little way of saying thank you. For my fellow graduating students I know £3 may seem like a lot, but give some thought to what it will mean to be a part of the first ever Kingston University Graduating Class Gift. In 20 years you will proudly look back on your memories at the University and know that giving was certainly worthwhile."

Dennis Aguma was a Student Trustee and managed "Kingston Nest", the University's Business Incubator. He was a Senior Course Representative for the Faculty of Business and Law and graduated with a BSc in Business Management in July 2016.

We know you're just starting out, and we know you don't have much to spare. But we hope you will be a small part of something much bigger. Our alumni will match every pound that you give, turning your £3 into £6.

"I had massive help from the university to pursue my studies. To give back, for three years I worked as part of the annual calling campaign to raise funds for the university. Most students don't realise how much work goes into generating scholarships and all these student support networks going on in the background. There will always be students who struggle with funding their education, by being a part of the Kingston University 2016 Graduating Class Gift we can give to those who like us wanted to study but need a bit of help. No matter your background Kingston really cares about its students."

Chloe Farrar has worked as a student caller on the KU Inspire the Future campaign 2013-2016 and graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art in July 2016. Chloe has gone on to do a Master's Degree in Sculpture at Royal College of Art.

What will my donation support?

Every penny donated by alumni is spent on student projects. Your gift will:

Support students, who through no fault of their own, experience unexpected financial hardship

Improving Kingston's student life, buses and campus facilities

Enabling young care leavers to achieve their academic potential

... and remember every pound you give will be matched 100%!

Why I'm supporting the 2016 Graduation Class Gift - champions

Our Champions are student leaders who believe in the power of helping future Kingston students.

"I have enjoyed my time studying Kingston University immensely. It's great to be able to give a donation to help the next lot of students to have as good a time as I did whilst studying here. Through working on the Kingston alumni fundraising team I understand how important these donations are and how much they can help students. I received a student hardship bursary and would have struggled to complete my degree without that support. It really feels fantastic to give back something to Kingston when they have helped me so much!"

Charley Pothecary is a social and service designer. She has worked on the Inspire the Future campaign from 2014-2016 and graduated with a BA in Graphic Design.

"I have loved my years at Kingston and am proud to go into the world of work as a graduate of this University. Kingston is renowned for its social work training. I was lucky enough to win a place on an internship scheme and I believe this is reflective of the additional effort Kingston goes to in order to ensure its graduates are well-prepared for careers after Kingston. I have thoroughly enjoyed speaking to alumni as part of the Inspire the Future campaign and have found it fascinating to hear what past students have gone on to achieve. I have been regularly impressed by the generosity of our alumni and how fond they remain of Kingston even after many years. I am very happy to be able to support some of the wonderful projects the University run, and look forward to hearing from future students about how Kingston continues to develop and grow."

Sarah Duncan is graduating next May with a Master's in Social Work and hopes to work with vulnerable children and their families. She has worked for the Inspire the Future telephone campaign from 2014-2016.

Contact us

Giving is simple

* Make sure to save the Kingston response text to receive a free "Made in Kingston - Class of 2016" tote bag at your graduation ceremony.

Why should I participate?

You will ensure that future students who need a bit of help can create their own unique Kingston experiences, just like you did.

Believe it or not, only a portion of Kingston's annual budget comes from tuition and government funding. The remaining funds must be generated through the loyal support of alumni, friends, businesses and STUDENTS!

High giving rates show alumni, recruiters, prospective students and other institutions that our students believe in Kingston, increasing the value of your degree.

Your participation shows your confidence in Kingston's mission and the education you received, setting a powerful example for next year's graduating class; and the one after that.

Thank you for making the Kingston University community even stronger through your generosity.